Cessna Bird Dog Kit (VM13)

This tough, agile little aircraft continued service into the Vietnam war - now designated the O-1. It was also taken up by the US Air Force as a forward air control aircraft, the object of which was to direct fast attack aircraft to the target. The pilots that flew this smallest and simplest of warbirds were indeed brave - shooting at one would not have been difficult. However, losses were far less than may have been feared, simply because by shooting at the Bird Dog, the enemy would give away their position.

Nearly 3500 aircraft were built, mainly by Cessna, but also in small numbers by contractors in both the United States and Japan. After their military service, many were sold on as recreational aircraft. They found a particular use as glider and advertising banner tow aircraft.

Today a large number of these aircraft are still airworthy – testament to their resilience, but many can also be seen on static display in museums in the many countries that operated them.

YOUR KIT

This kit is designed for you to build a traditionally constructed, rubber-powered, free flight model of an OE-1 Cessna Bird Dog, operated by the U.S. Marines Observation and Reconnaissance Squadron VMO-2, stationed in Japan in around 1952.

This is a simple but striking scheme, however, you can decide to do your own favourite or more complicated scheme if you wish as there are many Bird Dog schemes to choose from.

Construction of the model from this kit uses the traditional method of "stick and tissue", that consists of a built up balsa wood skeleton (framework),

covered with a tissue skin. The balsa frameworks are built over a plan that is printed at the exact scale of the model, which is in essence a real engineering drawing.

Power is provided by rubber strip motor that is wound up before flight. Free flight means just that - once the model is launched, it is on its own. It must

follow a predetermined flight path established when the model is initially adjusted for flight or "trimmed".

This type of traditional building technique and flying requires a degree of patience and skill, but is extremely rewarding.

Typically for a small model and in the spirit of the traditional kits, profiles are simplified and adjusted from the original and a relatively large propeller is used. This is done so that the model is light and stable enough to fly on its own, is simple in construction and can work with the rubber motor. These adjustments have been done with care and sensitivity so that the shape and spirit of the original aircraft is preserved as much as possible.

Also, in the spirit of the traditional kits, additional items required to build the model are things that can be found in the kitchen drawer or are easily available on the high street.

KIT CONTENTS

Three balsa sheets with precise laser cut parts and strip wood.

PVA glue for building the wooden frames.

One 150mm diameter plastic propeller.

One pre-bent motor hook and shaft.

Three low friction plastic ‘nose’ bushings– one for the propeller and two for the undercarriage wheels.

Please note: Orders to surcharge areas may incur an additional cost if a parcel is oversized, overweight or contains flammable goods. We will contact you before posting. Please see Postage for more information regarding surcharge areas.

We also deliver all over the world. For information regarding overseas orders please see Postage for further details.

So why buy from Hobbies?

Hobbies have built a reputation for providing first class goods and excellent service, with over 120 years of experience supplying model makers, machinists, craftsman & enthusiasts alike. We pride ourselves on our worldwide reputation for high quality customer service and we are always happy to provide help and support, from advice with choosing what product to buy to after sales support, such as guidance with the building process of a model kit. Our customer support and service is comprehensive, and we won’t disappear after you have made a purchase. Not convinced? Then just ask one of our many thousands of satisfied customers, both here in the UK and overseas.

We believe model making is not just a pastime, but also an experience to share with friends, siblings, children and grandchildren. Hobbies stock a diverse range of hobby kits and accessories, from Revell kits to dolls houses, model boat kits to balsa aircraft. Whatever your age or experience level, you’ll be able to find something to pique your interest at Hobbies.

If there is anything you need help with, or even just a general enquiry, then please Contact Us.